Allen Prescott Collection
type: FindingAid
type: Document
description: Catalog Record: http://lccn.loc.gov/2009600303
conforms to: General International Standard for Archival Description
publisher: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
encoded as: Allen Prescott Collection
topic: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
subject: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
has part: Biographical History for: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
topic: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
subject: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
topic: The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
subject: The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
topic: The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
subject: The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
topic: The Wife Saver, undated
subject: The Wife Saver, undated
topic: The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
subject: The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
topic: Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
subject: Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
topic: Miscellaneous commercials, undated
subject: Miscellaneous commercials, undated
topic: Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
subject: Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
topic: New York Tonight, 1948
subject: New York Tonight, 1948
topic: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
subject: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
topic: Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
subject: Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
topic: Miscellaneous household hints, undated
subject: Miscellaneous household hints, undated
topic: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
subject: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
topic: Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
subject: Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
topic: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
subject: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
topic: Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938
subject: Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938
topic: Series 5. Writings, undated
subject: Series 5. Writings, undated
topic: The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
subject: The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
topic: The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
subject: The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
topic: The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
subject: The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
topic: Goode Knight, undated
subject: Goode Knight, undated
topic: “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
subject: “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
topic: "Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
subject: "Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
topic: "Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
subject: "Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
topic: Interview with Steve Allen, undated
subject: Interview with Steve Allen, undated
topic: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
subject: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
topic: Photographs, 1932 and undated
subject: Photographs, 1932 and undated
topic: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
subject: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
topic: Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939
subject: Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939
topic: Oversize photographs, undated
subject: Oversize photographs, undated
topic: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
subject: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
topic: Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
subject: Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
topic: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
subject: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
topic: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
subject: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16

General International Standard for Archival Description
type: Standard

Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
type: Repository
type: Organization
type: Agent
country code: US
maintenance agency code: US-DLC
is publisher of: Allen Prescott Collection
administers: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
provides access to: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
provides access to: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
provides access to: The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
provides access to: The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
provides access to: The Wife Saver, undated
provides access to: The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
provides access to: Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
provides access to: Miscellaneous commercials, undated
provides access to: Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
provides access to: New York Tonight, 1948
provides access to: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
provides access to: Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
provides access to: Miscellaneous household hints, undated
provides access to: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
provides access to: Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
provides access to: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
provides access to: Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938
provides access to: Series 5. Writings, undated
provides access to: The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
provides access to: The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
provides access to: The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
provides access to: Goode Knight, undated
provides access to: “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
provides access to: "Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
provides access to: "Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
provides access to: Interview with Steve Allen, undated
provides access to: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
provides access to: Photographs, 1932 and undated
provides access to: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
provides access to: Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939
provides access to: Oversize photographs, undated
provides access to: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
provides access to: Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
provides access to: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
provides access to: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
provides access to: As a Matter of Fact, undated
provides access to: The Wife Saver experimental spots, undated

Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
type: SpatialThing
is administered by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.

Allen Prescott Collection
type: EAD
type: Document
description: Finding aid encoded by Marsha Maguire, 2009
created: 2009
conforms to: Encoded Archival Description
conforms to: Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Version 2002
encoding of: Allen Prescott Collection

Encoded Archival Description
type: Standard

Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Version 2002
type: Standard

Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
type: ArchivalResource
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: collection
extent: 3.5 linear feet (4 boxes)
extent: 63 photographic prints
extent: 6 sound tape reels
language: eng
origination: Prescott, Allen
has biographical history: Biographical History for: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
scopecontent: Scope and Content Note The Allen Prescott Collection consists of sound recordings, photographs, and printed materials pertaining to Prescott’s career as a radio personality during the early 1930s to 1970. Included in the collection are recordings from Prescott’s radio programs, manuscript materials, publicity photographs, and two 16mm films (which are located in the Moving Image Section of the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division). The paper materials date from 1930 to 1968, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1933 to 1948. The collection contains correspondence, fan mail, radio scripts, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks. It also includes an unpublished novel, short stories, manuscript submissions to publishers, and an interview with Steve Allen, the entertainer.
other finding aids: http://lccn.loc.gov/2009600303
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
aggregates: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
has part: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
aggregates: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
has part: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
aggregates: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
has part: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
aggregates: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
has part: Series 5. Writings, undated
aggregates: Series 5. Writings, undated
has part: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
aggregates: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
has part: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
aggregates: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
has part: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
aggregates: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated

collection
type: Level
type: Concept

3.5 linear feet (4 boxes)
type: Extent
label: 63 photographic prints
label: 6 sound tape reels

Prescott, Allen
type: Agent
is origination of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is origination of: The Wife Saver, undated
is origination of: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
is origination of: As a Matter of Fact, undated
is origination of: The Wife Saver experimental spots, undated

Biographical History for: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
type: BiographicalHistory
type: Document
type: DocumentPart
body: Biographical Note Allen Prescott (1904-1978) was host of the radio program, The Wife Saver, a program offering household hints to housewives several mornings and afternoons a week. His cheery introduction, “Hello, girls,” opened the program, and his signature sign-off, “Mrs. Housewife, I hope there’s nothing burning,” characterized the show’s light and breezy style. Listeners from all over the country sent him hundreds of letters a week with household tips in hopes of Prescott reading them on the air. The Wife Saver aired on New York radio stations WINS and WABC in 1929, moving to NBC’s Blue Network in 1932, where it was broadcast for 15 minutes, thrice weekly. In 1933 the show could be heard on early morning time slots. By 1941 the program’s name and format changed to Prescott Presents and the show aired weekdays for 30 minutes until 1943. In addition to hosting his radio program, Prescott wrote two books, The Wife-Saver’s Candy Recipes and Aunt Harriet’s Household Hints. Allen Prescott began his radio career as a newscaster. According to Thomas DeLong’s Radio Stars, Prescott was “working as a New York Mirror reporter in 1929, appearing on a WMCA news program with Walter Winchell. By 1931 Prescott was on the air as a WINS newsman, covering special events such as aerial maneuvers over Manhattan and polo matches from Governors Island.” In later years he would host other radio programs, New York Tonight, Say It with Words and Crossword Quiz, taking them with him when he made the transition to television. He also appeared periodically on For Men Only, Mile O’Dimes, Uncle Jim’s Question Bee, Hemisphere Revue, and a public affairs program, Once in Every Family. His work in television included a six-week run of The Wife Saver on NBC in 1947 and as emcee for the locally produced ABC show, Quizzing the News, from 1948 to 1949. Born in St. Louis, Prescott moved to New York at an early age and graduated from the New York Military Academy and the University of Pennsylvania. He…
topic: Prescott, Allen
subject: Prescott, Allen
is biographical history for: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is part of: Allen Prescott Collection

Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 8 folders
scopecontent: Series 1 contains scripts of Prescott’s radio programs, The Wife Saver and New York Tonight, as well as scripts for commercials. The Wife Saver scripts date from 1933 to 1945, and the five New York Tonight scripts are from June, 1948. Commercials are for A.E. Staley Mfg. Company and Martinson’s Coffee. The miscellaneous scripts folder includes commercials for the Detroit Motor Company, the Girard Company (makers of Dagger Blades), the Gillette Company (maker of Sun Up aftershave), Sta-Puf fabric softener, and Mohawk carpets.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
aggregates: The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
has part: The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
aggregates: The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
has part: The Wife Saver, undated
aggregates: The Wife Saver, undated
has part: The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
aggregates: The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
has part: Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
aggregates: Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
has part: Miscellaneous commercials, undated
aggregates: Miscellaneous commercials, undated
has part: Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
aggregates: Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
has part: New York Tonight, 1948
aggregates: New York Tonight, 1948

Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 2 folders
scopecontent: The Wife Saver radio program gave housewives helpful advice, much of it that had been sent in from listeners all over the United States. This series contains letters and postcards dating from 1953 and 1954. Memos from station WFIL in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also contain many recommendations used by Prescott. A booklet, the Wife Saver Handy Book, a collection of household hints published by the Blue Network of NBC in 1950, and one folder of miscellaneous material are included in this series as well.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
aggregates: Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
has part: Miscellaneous household hints, undated
aggregates: Miscellaneous household hints, undated

Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 1 folder
scopecontent: This small series contains correspondence with a listener, as well as letters from radio personalities such as Ted Husing and A.L. Alexander, NBC management, publishers, and his mother, Mrs. J.A. Prescott (one letter). Business invoices are also included.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
aggregates: Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated

Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 1 folder
scopecontent: The majority of clippings in this series is from 1938, when Prescott was mentioned in many newspaper columns, including “In New York,” “Radio Dial Log,” “Dialing with Doyle,” and “Walter Winchell on Broadway.” Most newspaper clippings in this series have been photocopied onto acid free paper. Many more newspaper articles about Prescott will be found in his scrapbooks in Series 7.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938
aggregates: Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938

Series 5. Writings, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 8 folders
scopecontent: This series contains typescripts of unpublished novels and short stories. Included are nine chapters from an unpublished novel, The Corinthian Class, four chapters and a synopsis from another novel, Goode Knight, and synopses from short stories, “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” “Stay in Your Own Bed,” and “Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear.” There is also one folder of an interview Prescott conducted with entertainer Steve Allen and another folder of material for an unpublished book, The Wife saver, a Household Hand Book and Wives’ Companion.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
aggregates: The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
has part: The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
aggregates: The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
has part: The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
aggregates: The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
has part: Goode Knight, undated
aggregates: Goode Knight, undated
has part: “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
aggregates: “Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
has part: "Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
aggregates: "Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
has part: "Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
aggregates: "Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
has part: Interview with Steve Allen, undated
aggregates: Interview with Steve Allen, undated

Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 63 photographic prints (2 folders, 1 oversize box)
scopecontent: This series contains 63 photographs. Prescott appears in studio portraits as well as publicity photos, both alone and with other radio personalities and work associates. Personalities include Fran Allison, Rex Stout, Graham McNamee, Ted Husing, and Ace Pancoast. There are also six photos from Prescott’s military service during World War II, when he was attached to Fleet Air Wing 4 and stationed in the Aleutian Islands. Photographs located in the oversize box include portraits, two photographs of Prescott and his mother, and many photographs of Prescott posing with unidentified colleagues. Most of the photographs are undated and unidentified.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Photographs, 1932 and undated
aggregates: Photographs, 1932 and undated
has part: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
aggregates: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
has part: Oversize photographs, undated
aggregates: Oversize photographs, undated

Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 1 oversize box
scopecontent: This series includes two scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, magazine articles, photographs, and other ephemera. The larger of the two scrapbooks is made from a promotional magazine published by the Studebaker Car Company that has newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and photographs pasted onto its pages. The other scrapbook consists of newspaper clippings from 1939. Both are in very poor condition.
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
aggregates: Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939

Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
is aggregated by: Allen Prescott collection 1930-1968 1933-1948
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: series
extent: 6 sound tape reels
scopecontent: This series consists of six sound recordings on 7-inch reels. Included are undated Wife Saver radio programs and brief announcements, experimental spots, and audition pieces for a program called As a Matter of Fact.
alternate forms available: Digital Format A digital version of the audiotapes is available for listening in the Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 20540-4690; (202) 707-7833. Format of access copy: Broadcast Wave (BWF), 44.1 kHz, 16 bits per sample (made from preservation copy: Broadcast Wave (BWF), 96 kHz, 24 bits per sample).
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: The Wife Saver, undated
aggregates: The Wife Saver, undated
has part: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
aggregates: As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
has part: As a Matter of Fact, undated
aggregates: As a Matter of Fact, undated
has part: The Wife Saver experimental spots, undated
aggregates: The Wife Saver experimental spots, undated

series
type: Level
type: Concept

8 folders
type: Extent
folder: 8

The Wife Saver, 1933-1935, 1938-1939, 1940
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

The Wife Saver, 1941, 1945
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

The Wife Saver, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

The Wife Saver, A.E. Staley Mfg. Company commercials, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Martinson’s Coffee commercials, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Miscellaneous commercials, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Miscellaneous scripts and sample shows, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

New York Tonight, 1948
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 1. Radio Scripts, 1933-1948, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

file
type: Level
type: Concept

2 folders
type: Extent
folder: 2

Household hints used on program, 1953-1954, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Miscellaneous household hints, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 2. Household Hints, 1953-1954, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

1 folder
type: Extent
folder: 1

Correspondence and fan mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 3. Correspondence and Fan Mail, 1930, 1932, 1936-1937, 1968, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

1 folder
type: Extent
folder: 1

Newspaper clippings, 1932, 1938
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
is aggregated by: Series 4. Newspaper Clippings, 1932, 1938
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

8 folders
type: Extent
folder: 8

The Wife Saver, additional sections, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

The Corinthian Class, chapters I-V, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

The Corinthian Class, chapters VI-IX, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Goode Knight, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

“Don’t Just Do Something; Sit There,” undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

"Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear," undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

"Stay in Your Own Bed," undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Interview with Steve Allen, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 5. Writings, undated
is aggregated by: Series 5. Writings, undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

63 photographic prints (2 folders, 1 oversize box)
type: Extent

Photographs, 1932 and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file
type: Aggregation
type: Collection
has part: Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939
aggregates: Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939

Oversize photographs, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 6. Photographs, 1930, 1932, 1949, 1953, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

Allen Prescott publicity photograph, between 1930 and 1939
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
is aggregated by: Photographs, 1930, 1949, 1953, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: 1 photographic print
is represented by: httphdllocgovlocmbrsrseadmbrsrs009004-6-2-1-1

item
type: Level
type: Concept

1 photographic print
type: Extent

1 oversize box
type: Extent

Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
is aggregated by: Series 7. Scrapbooks, 1930-1932, 1939
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: file

6 sound tape reels
type: Extent

The Wife Saver, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: 1 sound tape reel (20 minutes, 40 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: Consists of a series of household hint "talks," each about one minute long, delivered by Allen Prescott. Every piece begins with the sound of a ringing doorbell and the introductory line, "Hello, girls, this is Allen Prescott, the Wife Saver," and ends with, "Mrs. Housewife, I hope there's nothing burning." No guests and no music are featured, just Prescott delivering household hints with a touch of humor.
note: Handwritten description on original container: "About 15 one-minute talks."

As a Matter of Fact, 1965-03-16
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: 1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 36 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: Allen Prescott introduces himself and announces an Everlasting Dagger Blades commercial that includes descriptions of several historical and technological phenomena, each introduced by the phrase, "As a matter of fact...." In the next track, Prescott introduces himself and delivers a Rock of Ages Bank and Trust Co. commercial that includes descriptions of several historical and technological phenomena, each introduced by the phrase, "As a matter of fact...." The third track consists of a very brief, unidentified segment of an unaccompanied choral performance.
note: Description on original container: "4 one minute audition (?) talks."

The Wife Saver, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: on 1 sound tape reel (3 minutes, 44 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: Four brief Wife Saver pieces, with a total duration of 03:44. Wife Saver pieces (about one minute each in duration) each begin with the introduction, "Hello, this is Allen Prescott, the Wife Saver." Household hints, interspersed with wry comments, include suggested methods for keeping "baby" safe while "parked" on the sofa, opening bottles of soda water, hanging wallpaper, and deterring moles. The Wife Saver material is followed on the tape by two examples of a proposed series entitled As a Matter of Fact.

As a Matter of Fact, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: on 1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 29 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: Allen Prescott introduces an idea for "a series of fillers" entitled As a Matter of Fact. Similar to the light, comedic treatment of useful information that characterizes his Wife Saver program, Prescott remarks that As a Matter of Fact expands "from the household to a broader field." Two sample pieces include brief descriptions of the use of feathers for money, an ancient game, connecting rods, the secret ballot, and the oldest known fossils of beetles. Both pieces end with the phrase "...as a matter of fact." The As a Matter of Fact material is preceded on the tape by four brief Wife Saver pieces.

The Wife Saver, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: on 1 sound tape reel (3 minutes, 44 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: The content is identical to The Wife Saver material on the preceding tape, RXA 2482.

As a Matter of Fact, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: on 1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 29 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: The content is identical to As a Matter of Fact material on the preceding tape, RXA 2482.

The Wife Saver, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: 1 sound tape reel (9 minutes, 31 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: In the first of two brief Wife Saver programs, announcer Allen Prescott offers a number of household hints, such as how to freshen a black silk dress, freezing nylon stockings for longer wear, whipping cream, and removing lime deposits from tea kettles; also included are commercials for General Electric coffee makers and toasters. In the second program, Prescott offers household hints concerning "our war with inanimate objects," such as coping with "vacuum cleaner fuddle," wearing clip earrings, peeling oranges with a spoon, keeping slacks in shape, keeping "baby" safe when "parked" on the sofa, and serving mussels; commercials are for General Electric portable vacuum cleaners, toasters, and coffee makers.
note: Description on original container: "2 five-minute shows for General Electric."

The Wife Saver experimental spots, undated
type: ArchivalResource
is part of: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
is aggregated by: Series 8. Sound Recordings, 1965, and undated
access provided by: Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress Washington, D.C.
level: item
extent: 1 sound tape reel (15 minutes, 40 seconds)
origination: Prescott, Allen
scopecontent: The tape contains four Wife Saver programs, each less than five minutes in duration, and a separately presented commercial. At the beginning of each program, announcer Allen Prescott introduces himself as the Wife Saver. In the first program, he makes suggestions to use moleskin to make clip earrings more comfortable, peel oranges with a spoon, hang slacks by the pockets to dry, keep "baby" safe when "parked" on the sofa, and button cuffs to the front of a shirt before washing; commercials are for Sta-Puf fabric softener and Sta-Flow spray starch. In the second program, he provides tips on adding hot soup to a cold meal, making a slip-free tie rack, reducing the amount of luggage needed for overseas travel, using eyeliner, peeling cooked eggs, and cleaning a dirty oven with a towel soaked in ammonia; commercials are for Sta-Flow and Sta-Puf. In the third program, Prescott offers hints on freshening a black silk dress, freezing nylon stockings for longer wear, keeping rabbits away from the garden, whipping cream, removing lime deposits from tea kettles, grating chocolate safely, and keeping moths away from stored yarn; commercials are for Sta-Flow and Blue Raindrops water softener. In the fourth program, which is several minutes shorter than the first three, Prescott offers a household tip on stopping squeaks in doors and delivers a Sta-Flow commercial. The fifth track, not a program, is a 30-second commercial for Sta-Flow.
note: Description on original container: "15 minutes, audition (?) recording for A.E. Staley" (maker of Sta-Puf and Sta-Flow laundry products, and sponsor of the program).

1 sound tape reel (20 minutes, 40 seconds)
type: Extent

1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 36 seconds)
type: Extent

on 1 sound tape reel (3 minutes, 44 seconds)
type: Extent

on 1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 29 seconds)
type: Extent

on 1 sound tape reel (3 minutes, 44 seconds)
type: Extent

on 1 sound tape reel (2 minutes, 29 seconds)
type: Extent

1 sound tape reel (9 minutes, 31 seconds)
type: Extent

1 sound tape reel (15 minutes, 40 seconds)
type: Extent